SRK Fan Club -- Part 5! - Page 109

Print edition of TOI

'Where will I stand at Tussaud's? I don't know'

Shah Rukh Khan on whether his wax statue will share space with Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai at Madame Tussaud's

OMAR QURESHI Times News Network

Congratulations Shah Rukh Khan. So now you're a superstar waxwork?

Yes! And I'm happy at the honour. My mom used to wish that I'd get to be big enough to make it to Madame Tussaud's. At a time when people didn't travel that much, going to London once in a lifetime — including the incredible Madame Tussaud's in the itinerary — was a must. Now I'm there, it's a dream come true. I was thrilled when they sent me a confirmation saying I'd be part of it. Now it's my desire to take my kids to see it.

In every likelihood you'll stand next to Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and the other famous Indians

I don't exactly know where I'll stand at Tussaud's. I have no idea about the placement. Wherever I do, I'll stand in my own space I guess!

Suddenly the so-called 'rivalry' between you and Amitabh Bachchan seems to have become the talking point?

I have no rivalry with anyone. Mr Bachchan is way too senior to rival or compete with. It's like saying, by doing Devdas I was competing with Mr Dilip Kumar — I don't compete with him. If I have healthy competition, it's in my own league — with Salman

Bachchan is in a different state, stage and age in every way. It's just being spoken of because I did Don and now KBC."

What did you think of Amitabh Bachchan's statement in the TOI; saying 'I want SRK (Khan), Aamir (Khan) and Hrithik (Roshan) — and there too, we talk about our films; wishing each other well. Mr
to copy me…'?

Frankly, I take it with a pinch of salt. It all depends on how interviews are written. Sometimes the tone of speaking is different from how it sounds when written. I'm experienced enough to understand that. I don't know whether he really said it; or know how he said it, or what exactly he meant. I'm sure it wasn't how it came across. I've been doing what I do and I do what I feel like doing."

How do you react to his statement that he didn't like the new Don?

There are films that lot of people don't like and people have a right of choice as to what they like or don't like. I didn't make it for a person. I made it hoping that lot of people will like it and I think a lot of people did. I can't change the film. It's an individual reaction. There are many films that I don't like — of my own and of other people. I guess it is closer to Mr Bachchan because he has also done the film. He has every right to make the comment.

What exactly is your personal equation with the Bachchans?

I'm friendly with them. The Bachchans call me a colleague and a friend — this is the relationship I have with them. I speak to them quite often; whenever we meet. In my heart and mind I've no bad feelings for them. I think they're wonderful.

There was talk that there's a socio-political alignment happening in the industry…

It's all crap. We only make films and not socio-political or structural changes in the Indian society. We entertain and make people laugh and cry. It's simple and difficult. It's not complicated. I don't have participation in any social or economic aspect of this country except for the fact that I entertain people.

Campaign Blitz for Kaun Banega Crorepati

Mumbai to the New Jersey Turnpike -- ShahRukh Khan Is Everywhere

NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- February 08, 2007 -- DIRECTV's South Asian advertising agency Elephant Advertising, a wholly owned subsidiary of CineMaya Media Group (PINKSHEETS: CNMY), has released a media advertising blitz across print, television, direct mail, and outdoor media to promote Kaun Banega Crorepati (the Indian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire") hosted by ShahRukh Khan on DIRECTV's Star India Plus channel.

"The magnetic power of ShahRukh Khan's smile touches the hearts of a billion plus around the world. It's no secret Khan's biggest fan following is the South Asian community," stated Nayan Padrai, President of CineMaya Media Group. "It's not everyday you drive down the NJ Turnpike and see a face that you would normally see on the Bollywood silver screen smiling down at you.

We hope every Bollywood fan who sees this campaign will feel a little closer to home."

DIRECTV has been a big proponent of the belief that we live in an assimilated world, without borders. Thus, Elephant Advertising's marketing campaign for DIRECTV not only reaches consumers through traditional South Asian media, but also through touch points within their daily lives. Whether one drives down the turnpike or takes the train to Metropark, Elephant Advertising's media blitz will reach the consumer. And hopefully when they get home, they will turn to DIRECTV.